Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas can be slow-growing (low-grade) or rapidly growing (high-grade) cancer. For most patients, the cause is unknown, but lymphomas may develop in people with suppressed immune systems as a result of organ transplantation, for instance.

The tumors are graded according to their level of malignancy (aggressiveness)-- low-grade, intermediate-grade or high-grade. Burkitt's tumor is an example of a high-grade lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's tumors occur more frequently than Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Usually, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas affect people older than 50. High-risk groups include organ transplant recipients and immunosuppressed people. The incidence is 3 in 10,000 people.

• Enlarged lymph nodes (such as an armpit lump), isolated or widespread
• Fever
• Excessive sweating, with night sweats
• Unintentional weight loss

Tests that may indicate non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include:

• A peripheral blood smear showing abnormal white blood cells
• A CBC with differential
• A lymph node biopsy
• A bone marrow biopsy
  

A staging evaluation (tumor staging) to determine the extent of the disease includes:

• A physical examination
• CT scans of the chest, abdomen and pelvis
• A lymphangiogram
• An exploratory laparotomy or liver biopsy
• Blood chemistry tests
• MRI or other x-ray study may also be performed
• A PET scan, (positron emission test)
  

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

• A gallium (Ga.) scan
• An immunoelectrophoresis - serum test
• A quantitative immunoglobulins (nephelometry) test
• A mononucleosis spot test
  

• Infections resulting from immune suppression from chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or low gamma globulin secondary to disease
• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia